Charles Sheldon (1857-1946) was an American minister. His 1887 book In His Steps eventually started the "What would Jesus do?" motif among American Christians. He wrote the book while working as a minister in Topeka, Kansas, USA. He also founded schools and churches there.

Sheldon believed in full equality for men and women and vocally supported the feminist struggle for equal rights. He urged women to become involved in politics, believing that there they would make a difference for the better. He also supported that women should have full equality in the workplace and saw nothing wrong with men working in traditionally feminine jobs as domestic service.